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LEXUS, the luxury arm of Toyota, say their new RC F high-performance coupe has been designed to reward everyone from experienced track drivers to lovers of the open road.

What’s guaranteed is serious wallop from a model that’s actually been named after a racing circuit – the F standing for Fuji Speedway, the Japanese track where Lexus carry out much of their high-speed product testing.

The man who built the 5.0-litre V8 mean machine, engineer YukihikoYaguchi, is convinced the supercar will appeal to all enthusiasts – no matter what their level of expertise.

He says: "There’s a false perception that racing cars are hard to drive. In fact, they’re easy in the right hands because they have been purpose-built for the skill level of their drivers.

“It’s the same with the RC F. Electronics can be modified instantly on board to provide appropriate levels of performance and protection. But even at its basic setting it’s a blast.”

To harness the engine’s 471bhp potential with the best efficiency, the RC F uses a newly calibrated eight-speed transmission that gives the driver a choice of five operating modes, from fuel-efficient Eco to full-blooded Sport S+, plus an option to switch to manual, sequential shift control.

Lexus have also revised the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system with new Sport and Expert settings that let the driver safely exploit the car’s full performance capabilities.

As the most powerful V8 road car Lexus have yet produced, the RC F can cover 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and can reach an electronically governed top speed of 168mph.

And the coupe has been engineered to deliver exceptional grip, agility and high-speed stability with chassis, brakes, steering and suspension all specifically designed and tuned for purpose.

The Lexus RC F high-performance coupe (Image: Lexus)

The handling package includes an active rear wing and the availability of a Torque Vectoring Differential, technology that’s featured for the first time on a front engine/rear-wheel drive car.

Further heightening the driving experience is a new system that regulates induction and exhaust sound, creating a deep tone up to 3000rpm, and a higher-pitched note as revs rise beyond 6000rpm under hard acceleration.

As in the Lexus LFA supercar, the RC F has an active rear wing in the bootlid for more downforce at speeds above 50mph.

The model can be distinguished from the RC coupe thanks to its higher set bonnet with "F" motif embedded in the mesh below the Lexus badge, and 10-spoke 19in forged aluminium wheels.

And to the side there are air outlets behind the front wings that add to the engine and brake cooling performance, and which merge with side sill extensions to create an "L" shape.

Other features specific to the model include the instrument meters - inspired by an aircraft cockpit - steering wheel, seats, pedals and trim.

In the UK, two versions are on offer - the RC F at £59,995 and the RC F Carbon costing £67,995, which comes with the Torque Vectoring Differential and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic composite bonnet, roof and rear spoiler as standard.